Why I Love the New York Public Library

Call me a nerd for saying this but the New York Public Library system is one of the best free institutions that this city has to offer. With multiple locations in every neighborhood and borough, the NYPL is much more than just a collection of local libraries. It is one of the most overlooked resources that New Yorkers have at their finger tips. I got a library card last September and my affinity for the library has since grown. Here are a few reasons that the NYPL is so great:

1. Free WiFi- Although I love cozying up in my hole-in-the-wall apartment to get a bunch of computer work done, there are times that I just need to be in a different setting. When you're on the lookout for somewhere to bang out some assigned online reading, catch up on emails, or write that gazillion page paper, your options are a noisy coffee shops or your school lounge. But never fear, pop into any of the New York Public Libraries and you can use their wifi...for free! There are usually comfy chairs and ample desk space to spread out. It's always quiet and no one bothers you to buy another coffee after your fourth hour there.

2.Access to their online catalog- The NYPL's holdings number in the tens of millions. For real, ! googled that!  Their catalog includes everything from academic journals to recently released movies to your favorite magazine to that bestselling book you've been dying to read to Mumford and Sons' new album. Once you have a library card, you can access their entire catalog online and put whatever you're little heart desires on hold. As soon as your local library receives the item, they email you to let you know you can pick it up. And it's all free! You can even renew things online so there's no fear of racking up a bill in overdue fees.

Keep reading for the third and most important reason I love the NYPL and useful links to get you started.

Get a Free Macaron on Macaron Day!

As if the thought of free Italian ices weren't enough to get me excited for the first day of spring, I just realized that tomorrow is also Macaron Day. For all you who are unfamiliar with the deliciousness that is a macaron, let me explain. The macaron is the lighter, more sophisticated Parisian cousin to the American Whoopie Pie. Coming in flavors like pistachio, honey suckle, and good old chocolat, macarons have long been a favorite among the French and are gaining popularity hear in the States. In conjunction with the Jour de Macaron in Paris, 15 of New York's premier macaron purveyors will be offering a free macaron to anyone who stops by tomorrow, March 20th. Check out this handy map to see where you can pick up your free macaron. Keep in mind that the offer is for a single macaron and eating just one is near impossible. If your self-control does in fact waiver and you end up purchasing more, don't beat yourself up. A portion of the day's proceeds will benefit City Harvest...so really you're doing society a disservice if you don't buy a macaron. How's that for a rationalization :)

Free Ices at Rita's on the First Day of Spring

This Wednesday is the official first day of spring...hard to believe since I just trudged through ice pellets on my way home from work! Luckily, it doesn't have to feel like spring in order for Rita's to continue their annual tradition of serving free ices on the first day of the season. On March 19th, head to any of the Rita franchises across the country between 12 and 9 PM to snag a full size, free Italian ice in your favorite flavor. The only Rita's in New York is on the Upper West Side (full address below) but don't think that's going to stop this downtown dweller from trekking uptown to enjoy one of their many delicious flavors. I mean, who would pass up the chance to try Swedish Fish flavored Italian ice? Check out their website to see pictures from years passed and don't forget to mark your own calendars so you can join in on the tradition.

Rita's: Upper West Manhattan 
2486 Broadway 
New York, NY 10025

Daylight Savings Brings Free Doughnuts

              It's hard to believe that it's almost time to set our clocks ahead. Although I'm none to pleased to be losing an hour of sleep on March 10th, I am excited for the longer days, increased sunshine, and warmer weather that daylight savings time signifies. And this year, I'm even more excited because Krispy Kreme is offering a free original glazed doughnut to every guest who stops by one of their shops on Sunday. Only select locations are participating in the offer (full list here) but luckily their 24 hour spot in Penn Station is one of the chosen. And as an added bonus, if you sign up for their Friends of Krispy Kreme program, you'll get a coupon via email valid for a free doughnut of your choice. The coupon is good for ten days after you sign up so that's potentially two free doughnuts in one day.  With new flavors like their Cookies and Creme Doughnut (yep...topped with Oreos!) and old favorites like the Glazed Cruller and Boston Creme, I dare you to not sign up!

Side note- The latest issue of Saveur Magazine is devoted to doughnuts and is filled with lots of fun, interested doughnut facts. Here's one I didn't know: Doughnuts did not always have a hole in them. The practice of cutting out the middle of the pastry began when doughnuts started being mass-produced so that they would cook more evenly in a shorter amount of time. 

Add that to your collection of useless facts!